The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1887-09-23
THE GOLDEN CALF.

"He's the incarnation of fat dividends ~
is he SO very richY'
Rolling in money--might buy up half
the city, they say
s'And really, now come to look at him,
not u bad looking man, murmured the
countess, focusing the gentleman under
discussion with very effective double
eye glass.
'tGeraldine, my love, that is Mr.. Opti-
mus Codd over there in the doorway"
The beautiful Geraldine turned very
naughty head and gave a scornful little
laugh.
Sand who, pray, mamma. is Mr.. Opt.
mus CoddY''
The young man standing Between the
two ladies looked steadily at the beautiful
young lady in diaphanous white tulle,
saying:
''He is the Golden Calf of this year,
Lady Geraldine. You will soon know him
by sight. He is making his mark in So
ciety. He has asked to be presented to
you.. Lady Umfreville, have your per-
mission?'
The countess smiled o gracious consent
on Mr.. Rupert Paulet. She at once abb
solved this penniless detrimental who had
been hanging about her sacrifcial lamb
too closely of late, for his past offenses.
1t was such n very desirable matter to get
hold OF this millionaire stockbroker at an
early part of his career.
Mr.. Optimus Codd in his own sphere
was man of mark. People in the city
pointed at him respectfully as the pos
SCISSOR of untold wealth; but it had only
recently entered the mind of this enter
prising operator TO make an effort to en-
ter fashionable society. This great man
for he was very great in the realms of
stocks and "the things that are always
going up and down in the city''-had re-
Gently purchased house in Mayfair,
where he gave most recherche banquets.
He had also contrived to be elected to two
or three good clubs. In consequence So
ciety was making inquiries about him,
and using every endeavor to substantiate
the rumors of his enormous wealth. Doors
could not be shut upon an absolute
Cr9sus. In exterior the gentleman who
was the object of so many attentions was
not at all prepossessing, in spite of Lady
Umfreville's charitable verdict. He had
a good natured, fat face, with no salient
features, and reddish hair of refractory
nature. His small gray eyes had, how
ever, at times singularly keen and acute
regard. Such eyes might fathom good
deal Of humbug. He dressed well and
wore no jewelry, bearing the manner and
voice of q gentleman. His discretion
showed itself in nothing more than in his
ability to keep silence about himself and
others. ~ Ttr
8 When Mr.. Codd slowly made his way
across the ballroom toward the striking
group near the conservatory he was the
object of many regards. After the Hon
orable Rupert had presented his friend in
due form to the stately countess and her
lovely daughter, he remained few min
utes in conversation with the party, finally
Offering his arm to convey her ladyship to
supper She gave an anxious backward
look toward Lady Geraldine and the
handsome young man left near her. 1t
was unavoidable; the only thing to be
done was to put her wits together and
make tho most Of the present opportu-
nifty. ~ffN
"You have box at the opera, believe,
Mr.. Codd? We are so anxious to hear
Patti on her first right"
This was an audacious opening, but the
countess being poor and q widow, never
fiinched before an attempt of this sort.
1t was her duty to make use of rich ac-
quaintanccs. t8iW
~ shall be delighted If you win nc.
ccpt my box for that evening"" was the
natural rejoinder from one unused to inn
pecunious countesses.
Lady Umfreville went away smiling
that evening, and thankfully felt that her
labor and Geraldine's new dress had not
been in vain. ev
Within q week Mr.. Optimus Codd had
been invited to partake Of various small
very small-forms of hospitality ct
Princes gate. Little teas and light
luncheons might bring young people to-
gcther quite as advantageously as more
costly entertainments Her ladyship was
a skilled matchmaker. Two daughters
had already been disposed of in their first
season. But this was. now Lady Gerald
ines second year in the market. She was
certainly more difficult to manage than
the docile elder sisters had been. Still,
Lady Umfreville did not despair Of set
ting her this season. June had only just
begun. There was n fourth girl coming
in shortly. Lady Margaret was still in
the schoolroom, though fully entitled to
be emancipated, and she was o spirited
young lady who might be moro difficult
to control than all her predecessors.
ssWhat is he like, jerry l mean the
city man that every one is talking about.
/ know mamma thinks you have captiva-
ted him. You might bring him up to the
schoolroom for my inspection some day.
Pretend you want to show him your
drawings.
~ should like to see stock broker.
His name has very fishlike smell. Fancy
being Lady Geraldine Coddi Docs he look
like a gentleman? Don't you think you
had better turn him over to me, jerry
Here the lively Lady Margaret began
dancing about the room. ashanti have
fine time of it wheniI come outl l mean
to make up for being kept back year
You sec you must be out of the way
Jerry. You arc SO very good looking"
Lady Geraldine answered smiling: "Dt
be sensible, Maggie, and I'll tell you oil
about Mr.. Optimns Codd Welll hc's
rather Cat and not got any particular ex
preston, but think he's very goot
injured Ircauy think like him, and